AFL greats call for wildcard weekend

AFL greats throw support behind wildcard weekend.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats smouthers a kick by Paul Ahern of the Kangaroos during the round 12 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium on June 9, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Former AFL champions Garry Lyon and Tim Watson have supported the concept of a Wildcard Round instead of the bye prior to the finals series.

Speaking on SEN, Watson said the idea could be a serious hit for the AFL.

“I think we need a game on and the introduction of that Wildcard weekend, I think that could be something great,” he said.

A wildcard round would allow the teams finishing ninth and 10th both play in a one off game to qualify for finals, with seventh hosting 10th and eighth hosting the ninth place team.

Had this idea come into fruition this season, it would have seen GWS host Port Adelaide and Geelong host North Melbourne in two do or die clashes.